LOS ANGELES — It was a day of hellos and goodbyes on the red carpet at Sunday's Emmy Awards, as first-time nominees mingled with veteran actors and stars of nominated shows that have since been canceled, such as "Friday Night Lights" and "Entourage."

The "Friday Night Lights" cast was rooting for its canceled show to score an Emmy.

"This is our last chance. ... It's our last time at the Emmys," said Stacey Oristano, who played Mindy Collette on the show, which focused on a high school football team.

"It's great to have an opportunity to get together— and get nominated!" said Derek Phillips, who played a football player's brother.

Melissa McCarthy said she was most surprised at the blazing heat on the Emmy red carpet.

"I didn't realize the Emmys are held on the sun," she said outside the Nokia Theatre. "It's just the whole energy of it. I keep running into people I know and want to know. There's just so much positive energy."

Taraji P. Henson said just getting nominated for "Taken From Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story" was a huge surprise: "I wasn't thinking of it. ... I had done the movie so long ago."

Margo Martindale enjoyed her first Emmy nomination for a show that's since been canceled, "Justified."

"Putting it all together is a job, but being here in this moment is as easy as pie," she said on her way into the ceremony. About the show, she said, "It's very sad to say goodbye. It's very tearful. It was my favorite part of my career."

Julianna Margulies

Julianna Margulies arrives at the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011 in Los Angeles. In addition to her own nomination for "The Good Wife," she presented the award for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy to Ty Burrell. She wore a strapless Giorgio Armani Prive gown, with a bustier decorated with clear oval stones and shimmery paillettes.
(Chris Pizzello / AP)
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Matt LeBlanc

Melissa McCarthy

Melissa McCarthy was an emotional winner for best actress in a comedy series for her role in "Mike & Molly." She designed her purple gown herself.
(Chris Pizzello / AP)
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John Krasinski, Emily Blunt

Annie Ilonzeh, Minka Kelly, Rachael Taylor

Now they work for him. His name is Charlie. From left, Annie Ilonzeh, Minka Kelly and Rachael Taylor are the new stars of the remade "Charlie's Angels," which begins this fall.
(Chris Pizzello / AP)
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Katie Holmes

Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow wore a belly-baring black-sequined gown by Emilio Pucci. She later said she didn't realize how sheer and see-through her outfit was until she arrived at the event.
(Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)
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Julie Bowen

"Modern Family" star Julie Bowen won the award for best supporting actress in a comedy series, and Ty Burrell, who plays her husband on the show, won as best supporting actor.
(Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)
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Hugh Laurie

Elisabeth Moss

"Mad Men's" Elisabeth Moss was one of many Emmy attendees to choose a neutral gown color. She also appeared in the awards ceremony's opening skit, when host Jane Lynch burst in on a mock "Mad Men" meeting.
(Chris Pizzello / AP)
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